Attachment areas for wearable absorbent articles

ABSTRACT

A wearable absorbent article comprises an outer cover and an absorbent core assembly. At least a portion of the outer cover is joined to the absorbent core assembly over at least a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The overall lateral width of the second attachment area is less than the overall lateral width of the first attachment area. At least a portion of the second attachment area is disposed in a hip region of the article. The first attachment area is disposed longitudinally outboard from the second attachment area.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/468,633, filed May 19, 2009, the substance of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wearableabsorbent articles. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosurerelate to wearable absorbent articles with stretchable outer covers.

BACKGROUND

Wearable absorbent articles include diapers and incontinence garments.Many wearable absorbent articles include outer covers, which form theoutsides of the articles. It can be useful to make outer covers fromstretchable materials, which can be extended in size. For example, awearable absorbent article with a stretchable outer cover can beextended to fit a range of wearer sizes. A stretchable outer cover canalso be extended to conform to a wearer's body as the wearer moves. Manywearable absorbent articles also include absorbent core assemblies toreceive, contain, and absorb bodily wastes.

In order to provide structural integrity and support to an absorbentcore assembly, the assembly can be joined to an outer cover.Unfortunately, if an absorbent core assembly is poorly joined to astretchable outer cover, then the wearable absorbent article may notperform well. An absorbent core assembly that is over-joined to astretchable outer cover may limit the degree to which the outer covercan be extended. The wearable absorbent article may look unattractive orfeel uncomfortable. An absorbent core assembly that is under-joined to astretchable outer cover may become improperly positioned within thearticle. An improperly positioned core assembly may extend out beyond awaist edge of the article, so the article looks unattractive. Also, animproperly positioned core assembly may have difficulty containingbodily wastes, resulting in leaks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a pant-type wearable absorbentarticle formed for wearing, including an absorbent core assembly joinedto a stretchable outer cover, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of an inside of a pant-type wearableabsorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state, includingan absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outer cover,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of an inside of a pant-type wearableabsorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state, includingan absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outer cover,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of an inside of a pant-type wearableabsorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state, includingan absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outer cover,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1E illustrates a top view of an inside of a pant-type wearableabsorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state, includingan absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outer cover,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1F illustrates a perspective view of a pant-type wearable absorbentarticle formed for wearing, including an absorbent core assembly joinedto a stretchable outer cover, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a front-fastenable wearableabsorbent article formed for wearing, including an absorbent coreassembly joined to a stretchable outer cover, according to embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of an inside of a front-fastenablewearable absorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state,including an absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outercover, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of an inside of a front-fastenablewearable absorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state,including an absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outercover, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates a top view of an inside of a front-fastenablewearable absorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state,including an absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outercover, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2E illustrates a top view of an inside of a front-fastenablewearable absorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state,including an absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outercover, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an inside of a portion of a wearableabsorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state, includingan absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outer cover, with anumber of attachment areas, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the portion of thewearable absorbent article of the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C Illustrates a top view of an inside of a portion of a wearableabsorbent article laid out in a fiat and uncontracted state, includingan absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outer cover, with anumber of attachment areas, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an inside of another portion of awearable absorbent article laid out in a flat and uncontracted state,including an absorbent core assembly joined to a stretchable outercover, with a number of attachment areas, according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article with anabsorbent core assembly joined to a portion of a stretchable outer coverover an attachment area, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article with aportion of an absorbent core assembly joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover over an attachment area, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article with aportion of an absorbent core assembly joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover over an attachment area, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article with aportion of an absorbent core assembly joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover over an attachment area, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article with aportion of an absorbent core assembly joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover over an attachment area, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article with aportion of an absorbent core assembly joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover over an attachment area, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.10A.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes wearable absorbent articles withabsorbent core assemblies that are suitably joined to stretchable outercovers. While the absorbent core assemblies are provided with adequatestructural integrity and support, the stretchable outer covers can alsobe extended to a significant degree because the absorbent coreassemblies are joined to the stretchable outer covers by attachmentareas that are strategically sized and placed within the articles.

As an example, a wearable absorbent article can have an absorbent coreassembly and a stretchable outer cover. The absorbent core assembly canbe joined to the stretchable outer cover by a wider first attachmentarea and a narrower second attachment area. The narrower secondattachment area can be disposed in a hip region of the article, and thewider first attachment area can be disposed longitudinally outboard fromthe second attachment area.

The relatively wide width of the first attachment region, placed in alongitudinally outboard portion of the article, can provide adequatestructural support for an end of the absorbent core assembly, where itis particularly useful. The relatively narrow width of the secondattachment region, placed in the hip region of the article, can allow asignificant degree of extensibility around a large circumference of awearer's body, where it is especially beneficial. Thus, in wearableabsorbent articles of the present disclosure, absorbent core assembliesare suitably joined to stretchable outer covers, such that the articlescan look attractive and feel comfortable while being less likely toleak.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The attachment areas of the present disclosure can be used with allkinds of absorbent articles. An absorbent article can receive and absorbbodily exudates (e.g. urine, menses, feces, etc.). Examples of absorbentarticles include products for sanitary protection and hygienic use.

Some absorbent articles are wearable. A wearable absorbent article isconfigured to be worn on or around a lower torso of a body of a wearer.Examples of wearable absorbent articles include diapers and incontinenceundergarments. A wearable absorbent article can receive and containbodily exudates while being worn by a wearer. Wearable absorbentarticles can use embodiments of the present disclosure.

Some absorbent articles are disposable. A disposable absorbent articleis configured to be wholly disposed of after a single use. A disposableabsorbent article is configured such that the soiled article is notintended to be restored and reused (e.g., not intended to be laundered).Examples of disposable absorbent articles include feminine careproducts, such as pads and liners. Disposable absorbent articles can useembodiments of the present disclosure.

Some absorbent articles are reusable. A reusable absorbent article isconfigured to be partly or wholly used more than once. A reusableabsorbent article is configured such that part or all of the article isdurable, or wear-resistant to laundering, or fully launderable. Oneexample of a reusable absorbent article is a diaper with a washableouter cover. Reusable absorbent articles can use embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

The figures of the present disclosure are intended to illustrateelements, their parts, and their relationships, as described in thespecification; the figures are not intended to illustrate any particularrelative or absolute size or dimension, unless otherwise stated in thetext. The figures illustrate various wearable absorbent articles withattachment areas for joining absorbent core assemblies to stretchableouter covers, as described herein. For clarity, the figures do notillustrate all details of the articles. The attachment areas in FIGS.1A-2C can be configured according to any of the embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a pant-type wearable absorbentarticle 100A formed for wearing, including an absorbent core assembly150 joined to a stretchable outer cover 110, according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure. In various embodiments, the absorbent coreassembly 150 can be joined to the stretchable outer cover 110 withattachment areas as described in connection with the embodiments ofFIGS. 1B and 1C. The wearable absorbent article 100A also includes afront 101, a front waist edge 102, a back waist edge 104, a back 105, aleg opening edge 108, and a leg opening 109. A leg opening edge is aportion of a wearable absorbent article that forms part or all of a legopening when the article is formed for wearing. In various embodiments,part, or parts, or all of a leg opening edge can include elastics toform a contractible leg opening. For the wearable absorbent article100A, the leg opening edge 108 is a shaped cut-out, such that thewearable absorbent article 100A has an overall shape similar to anhourglass.

Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a pant-type wearableabsorbent article can refer to an embodiment that is fastenable or to anembodiment without fasteners. A reference to a pant-type wearableabsorbent article can also refer to an embodiment of an article with oneor more waist and/or leg openings that are preformed (i.e. formed duringmanufacture of the article) or to an embodiment of an article with waistand leg openings that are not preformed. Thus, each embodiment of anabsorbent article of the present disclosure that is described aspant-type can be configured in any of these ways, as will be understoodby one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of an inside of a pant-type wearableabsorbent article 100B laid out in a flat and uncontracted state,including an absorbent core assembly 150 joined to a stretchable outercover 110, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 1B, a longitudinal centerline 113 and a lateral centerline 116provide lines of reference for referring to relative locations of thewearable absorbent article 100B. The longitudinal centerline 113 runsbetween the waist edges of the article and separates the article intoleft and right halves. The lateral centerline 116 is perpendicular tothe longitudinal centerline 113 and separates the front 101 from theback 105. When a first location is nearer to the longitudinal centerline113 than a second location, the first location can be consideredlaterally inboard 112 to the second location. Similarly, the secondlocation can be considered laterally outboard 111 from the firstlocation. When a third location is nearer to the lateral centerline 116than a fourth location, the third location can be consideredlongitudinally inboard 115 to the fourth location. Also, the fourthlocation can be considered longitudinally outboard 114 from the thirdlocation. The longitudinal centerline 113 and the lateral centerline 116cross at a center 119 of the wearable absorbent article 100B.

FIG. 1B includes arrows indicating relative directions for laterallyoutboard 111, laterally inboard 112, longitudinally outboard 114, andlongitudinally inboard 115, each with respect to the wearable absorbentarticle 100B. Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a lengthor a longitudinal dimension, measurement, line, or direction refers to adimension, measurement, line, or direction that is substantially orcompletely parallel to the longitudinal centerline 113 and a referenceto a width or a lateral dimension, measurement, line, or directionrefers to a dimension, measurement, line, or direction that issubstantially or completely parallel to the lateral centerline 116. Theterminology for describing relative locations, as discussed above, isused for wearable absorbent articles throughout the present disclosure,as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The wearable absorbent article 100B includes a front 101, a front waistedge 102, a back waist edge 104, a back 105, a front hip region 106F, aback hip region 106B, a crotch region 107, and a leg opening edge 108.

A hip region is a portion of a wearable absorbent article disposedlongitudinally outboard from a crotch region of the article and adjacentto a waist edge of the article. A front hip region is disposed in afront of a wearable absorbent article, adjacent to a front waist edge. Aback hip region is disposed in a back of a wearable absorbent article,adjacent to a back waist edge.

A hip region has an overall longitudinal length that is a particularpercentage of the pitch of the article. A wearable absorbent article hasa pitch measured longitudinally between a farthest longitudinallyoutboard point on the front waist edge and a farthest longitudinallyoutboard point on the back waist edge. A hip region has an overalllongitudinal length measured longitudinally from a farthestlongitudinally outboard point on the adjacent waist edge to a pointlongitudinally inboard to the adjacent waist edge.

In various embodiments, a hip region can have an overall longitudinallength that is 35%, or 30%, or 25%, or 20%, or 15%, or 10% (or anyinteger value between any of these percentages) of the overall pitch ofthe article. The present disclosure contemplates that the variousembodiments of attachment areas disclosed herein can be used with a hipregion having an overall longitudinal lengths selected from any of thepercentages described above.

In various embodiments, wherein a wearable absorbent article includes aclearly defined cut-to-shape leg opening edge, a hip region can,alternatively, be disposed longitudinally outboard from a farthestlongitudinally outboard point of a leg opening edge and can have anoverall longitudinal length measured longitudinally from a farthestlongitudinally outboard point on the adjacent waist edge to the farthestlongitudinally outboard point of the leg opening edge.

The wearable absorbent article 100B includes a farthest backlongitudinally outboard point 108B-1 along the leg opening edge 108 andin the back 105. Thus, the back hip region 106B can be disposedlongitudinally outboard from the farthest back longitudinally outboardpoint 108B-1 and can have an overall longitudinal length measuredlongitudinally from the farthest longitudinally outboard point on theadjacent waist edge 104 to the farthest back longitudinally outboardpoint 108B-1 of the leg opening edge 108. The wearable absorbent article100B also includes a farthest forward longitudinally outboard point108F-1 along the leg opening edge 308 and in the front 101. Thus, thefront hip region 106F can be disposed longitudinally outboard from thefarthest forward longitudinally outboard point 108F-1 and can have anoverall longitudinal length measured longitudinally from the farthestlongitudinally outboard point on the adjacent waist edge 102 to thefarthest forward longitudinally outboard point 108F-1 of the leg openingedge 108.

In various embodiments, wherein a pre-formed pant-type article does notinclude a clearly defined cut-to-shape leg opening edge, a hip regioncan, alternatively, be disposed longitudinally outboard from a farthestlongitudinally inboard point on a side connection and can have anoverall longitudinal length measured longitudinally from a farthestlongitudinally outboard point on the adjacent waist edge to the farthestlongitudinally inboard point on the side connection, as described inconnection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1D-1F.

In the wearable absorbent article 100B, the stretchable outer cover 110is joined to the absorbent core assembly 150 over attachment areas 190.The outer cover 110, the absorbent core assembly 150, and the attachmentareas 190 in FIG. 1B can each be configured as described in connectionwith the embodiment of FIG. 3A. In various embodiments of the wearableabsorbent article 100B, the front 101, or the back 105, or the front 101and the back 105, can be configured as described in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of an inside of a pant-type wearableabsorbent article 100C laid out in a flat and uncontracted state,including an absorbent core assembly 150 joined to a stretchable outercover 110, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Thewearable absorbent article 100C includes a front 101, a front waist edge102, a back waist edge 104, a back 105, a front hip region 106F, a backhip region 106B, a crotch region 107, and a shaped leg opening edge 108.The wearable absorbent article 100C also includes a longitudinalcenterline 113 and a lateral centerline 116 defining directions forlaterally outboard 111, laterally inboard 112, longitudinally outboard114, and longitudinally inboard 115, as well as a center 119. The outercover 110, the absorbent core assembly 150, and attachment areas 190 inFIG. 1B can each be configured as described in connection with theembodiment of FIG. 4. In various embodiments of the wearable absorbentarticle 100C, the front 101, or the back 105, or the front 101 and theback 105, can be configured as described in FIG. 4.

FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of an inside of a pant-type wearableabsorbent article 100D laid out in a flat and uncontracted state,according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Wearable absorbentarticle 100D is configured in the same way as wearable absorbent article100B, except that, in the wearable absorbent article 100D, the legopening edge 108 is a portion of a linear longitudinal edge, such thatthe wearable absorbent article 100A has an overall shape that isrectangular.

Also, the wearable absorbent article 100D includes a farthest backlongitudinally outboard point 108B-1 along the leg opening edge 108 andin the back 105, wherein the farthest back longitudinally outboard point108B-1 coincides with a farthest longitudinally inboard point on a sideconnection, as described in connection wife the embodiment of FIG. 1F.Further, the wearable absorbent article 100D includes a farthest forwardlongitudinally outboard point 108F-1 along the leg opening edge 108 andin the front 101, wherein the farthest forward longitudinally outboardpoint 108F-1 coincides with a farthest longitudinally inboard point on aside connection, as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG.1F.

FIG. 1E illustrates a top view of an inside of a pant-type wearableabsorbent article 100E laid out in a fiat and uncontracted state,according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Wearable absorbentarticle 100E is configured in the same way as wearable absorbent article100C, except that, in the wearable absorbent article 100E, the legopening edge 108 is a portion of a linear longitudinal edge, such thatthe wearable absorbent article 100A has an overall shape that isrectangular. The wearable absorbent article 100E also includes afarthest back longitudinally outboard point 108B-1 along the leg openingedge 108 and in the back 105, as well as a farthest forwardlongitudinally outboard point 108F-1 along the leg opening edge 108 andin the front 101, as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG.1D.

FIG. 1F illustrates a perspective view of a pant-type wearable absorbentarticle 100F formed for wearing. In various embodiments, the wearableabsorbent article 100F can be configured in the same way as wearableabsorbent article 100D or 100E. The wearable absorbent article 100F is apre-formed pant-type article that does not include a clearly definedcut-to-shape leg opening edge. However, the wearable absorbent article100F includes a side connection 106S. In some embodiments, the sideconnection 106S can be durable or refastenable. The side connection 106Chas a farthest longitudinally inboard point 106S-1.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a front-fastenable wearableabsorbent article 200A formed for wearing, including an absorbent coreassembly 250 joined to a stretchable outer cover 210, according toembodiments of the present disclosure. Its various embodiments, theabsorbent core assembly 250 can be joined to the stretchable outer cover230 with attachment areas as described in connection with theembodiments of FIGS. 2B and 2C. The wearable absorbent article 200A alsoincludes a front 201, a front waist edge 202, a back waist edge 204, aback 205, a leg opening edge 208, and a leg opening 209.

While the present disclosure refers to front-fastenable wearableabsorbent articles, the present disclosure also contemplates alternateembodiments of wearable absorbent articles having attachment areas, asdescribed herein, wherein the wearable absorbent articles arerear-fastenable. Thus, each embodiment of a wearable absorbent articleof the present disclosure that is described as front-fastenable can alsobe configured to be rear fastenable, as will be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art. Embodiments of the present disclosure canalso be applied to various other wearable absorbent articles with othersystems for holding the articles in place on wearers.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of an inside of a front-fastenablewearable absorbent article 200B laid out in a flat and uncontractedstate, including an absorbent core assembly 250 joined to a stretchableouter cover 210, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Thewearable absorbent article 200C includes a front 201, a front waist edge202, a back waist edge 204, a back 205, a front hip region 206F, a backhip region 206B, a crotch region 207, and a leg opening edge 208.

In the wearable absorbent article 200B, the leg opening edge 208 isclearly defined and cut-to-shape. The wearable absorbent article 200Bincludes a farthest back longitudinally outboard point 208B-1 along theleg opening edge 208 and in the back 205. Thus, the back hip region 206Bcan have an overall longitudinal length measured longitudinally from thefarthest longitudinally outboard point on the adjacent waist edge 204 tothe farthest back longitudinally outboard point 208B-1 of the legopening edge 208. The wearable absorbent article 200B also includes afarthest forward longitudinally outboard point 208F-1 along the legopening edge 208 and in the front 201. Thus, the front hip region 206Fcan have an overall longitudinal length measured longitudinally from thefarthest longitudinally outboard point on the adjacent waist edge 202 tothe farthest forward longitudinally outboard point 208F-1 of the legopening edge 208. Alternatively, either or both of the hip regions 206Band 206F can have an overall longitudinal length that is a particularpercentage of the pitch of the article, as described above.

The wearable absorbent article 200C also includes a longitudinalcenterline 213 and a lateral centerline 216 defining directions forlaterally outboard 211, laterally inboard 212, longitudinally outboard214, and longitudinally inboard 215, as well as a center 219. The outercover 210, the absorbent core assembly 250, and the attachment areas 290in FIG. 2B can each be configured as described in connection with theembodiment of FIG. 3A. In various embodiments of the wearable absorbentarticle 200B, the front 201, or the back 205, or the front 201 and theback 205, can be configured as described in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of an inside of a front-fastenablewearable absorbent article 200C laid out in a flat and uncontractedstate, including an absorbent core assembly 250 joined to a stretchableouter cover 210, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Thewearable absorbent article 200C includes a front 201, a front waist edge202, a back waist edge 204, a back 205, a front hip region 206F, a backhip region 206B, a crotch region 207, and a leg opening edge 208. Thewearable absorbent article 200C also includes a longitudinal centerline213 and a lateral centerline 216 defining directions for laterallyoutboard 211, laterally inboard 212, longitudinally outboard 214, andlongitudinally inboard 215, as well as a center 219. The outer cover210, the absorbent core assembly 250, and the attachment areas 290 inFIG. 2C can each be configured as described in connection with theembodiment of FIG. 4. In various embodiments of the wearable absorbentarticle 200C, the front 201, or the back 205, or the front 201 and theback 205, can be configured as described in FIG. 4.

FIG. 2D illustrates a top view of an inside of a front-fastenablewearable absorbent article 200D laid out in a flat and uncontractedstate, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Wearableabsorbent article 200D is configured in the same way as wearableabsorbent article 200B, except that, in the wearable absorbent article200D, the leg opening edge 208 is a portion of a linear longitudinaledge, such that the wearable absorbent article 200A has an overall shapethat is substantially rectangular.

FIG. 2E illustrates a top view of an inside of a front-fastenablewearable absorbent article 200E laid out in a flat and uncontractedstate, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Wearableabsorbent article 200E is configured in the same way as wearableabsorbent article 200C, except that, in the wearable absorbent article200E, the leg opening edge 208 is a portion of a linear longitudinaledge, such that the wearable absorbent article 200A has an overall shapethat is substantially rectangular.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an inside of a portion of a wearableabsorbent article 300 laid out in a flat and uncontracted state,including an absorbent core assembly 350 joined to a stretchable outercover 310, over a first attachment area 320, a second attachment area330, and a third attachment area 340, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The absorbent core assembly 350 is superjacent tothe attachment areas 320, 330, and 340, which are each superjacent tothe stretchable outer cover 310.

For clarity, the absorbent core assembly 350 is illustrated astransparent, with visible outside edges, to better show the attachmentareas 320, 330, and 340. The wearable absorbent article 300 can be apant-type wearable absorbent article or a front-fastenable wearableabsorbent article. The portion of the wearable absorbent article 300 canbe a front portion or a back portion. In FIG. 3A, some outside edges ofthe portion are broken lines, since the portion is illustrated asseparate from the rest of the wearable absorbent article 300.

The wearable absorbent article 300 includes a waist edge 303, a hipregion 306, a crotch region 307, and a leg opening edge 308. Thewearable absorbent article 300 also includes a longitudinal centerline313 defining directions for laterally outboard 311 and laterally inboard312 and also includes directions for longitudinally outboard 314 andlongitudinally inboard 315.

At least a portion of the stretchable outer cover 310 is laterallystretchable, as described below. In various embodiments, part, or parts,or substantially all, or all of the stretchable outer cover 310 can beconfigured to be elastic or extensible, in the lateral direction, in thelongitudinal direction, or in both the lateral and longitudinaldirections.

As used herein, the term “stretchable” refers to the property of amaterial that elongates, without substantial rupture or breakage, by atleast 50% at a load of between 0.1 and 10 N/cm in the Hysteresis Test(as described herein). Micro-sized rupture or breakage of a material isnot considered substantial rupture or breakage. However, macro-sizedruptures through the structure (e.g. one or more large tears such astears greater than about 5 mm in any direction, or breaking into two ormore pieces, or resulting in significant structural degradation whichmay render the material unusable for its intended purpose) areconsidered substantial ruptures or breakage. A material that does notmeet this definition for “stretchable” is considered “unstretchable.” Astretchable material may be elastic or extensible as defined herein.

As used herein, the term “elastic” refers to the property of a materialthat elongates, without substantial rupture or breakage, by at least 50%at a load of between 0.1 and 10 N/cm in the Hysteresis Test. Further,upon release of die load, the elastic material has a set less than orequal to 20% as measured according to the Hysteresis Test. For example,an elastic material that has an initial length of 25 millimeters canelongate to at least 37.5 millimeters (50% elongation) and, upon removalof the force, retract to a length of 27.5 millimeters, i.e., have a setof 2.5 millimeters (10% set), when subjected to the Hysteresis Test. Itis to be understood, however, that this definition of elastic does notapply to materials such as individual elastic strands that do not havethe proper dimensions (e.g., not wide enough) to be properly subjectedto the Hysteresis Test. Instead, such material is considered to beelastic if it can elongate by at least 50% upon application of a biasingforce, and return substantially to its original length (i.e., exhibitless than 20% set) upon release of the biasing force.

As used herein, the term “extensible” refers to the property of amaterial that elongates, without substantial rupture or breakage, by atleast 50% at a load of between 0.1 and 10 N/cm in the Hysteresis Test.Further, upon release of the load, the extensible material has a setgreater than 20% as measured according to the Hysteresis Test. Forexample, an extensible material that has an initial length of 25millimeters can elongate at least to 37.5 millimeters (50% elongation)and, upon removal of the applied force, retract to a length of 35millimeters, i.e., have a set of 10 millimeters (40% set), whensubjected to the Hysteresis Test.

An absorbent core assembly includes a core with one or more absorbentmaterials, such as wood pulp and/or superabsorbent particles, and mayinclude one or more additional compositions, materials, or structuresfor receiving, containing, storing, and/or treating bodily waste, asknown in the art. For example, an absorbent core assembly may compriseone or more layers such as a liquid-permeable topsheet, an acquisitionlayer, a distribution layer, a storage layer, and a liquid impermeablebacksheet. Alternatively, a backsheet may be configured to resisttransmitting liquid. A backsheet may or may not be configured to bebreathable. An absorbent core assembly may also include one or more ofvarious structures, such as barrier leg cuffs, a feces containmentcompartment, a spine (e.g. a central support structure, as described inpublished US patent application 2007-0287983A1, “Absorbent ArticleHaving an Anchored Core Assembly”), and a wetness indicator. Further, anabsorbent core assembly may include one or more of compositions such aslotions, perfumes, and sensates, on an outer surface and/or within theassembly.

The absorbent core assembly 350 includes longitudinal sides 351, a firstend 353, and a second end (not shown). An absorbent core assembly has anoverall lateral width measured laterally between a farthest laterallyoutboard point of the core assembly on one of its longitudinal sides toa farthest laterally outboard point of the core assembly on its otherlongitudinal side. An absorbent core assembly has an overalllongitudinal length measured longitudinally between a farthestlongitudinally outboard point of the core assembly on one of its ends toa farthest longitudinally outboard point of the core assembly on itsother end. The absorbent core assembly 350 has a substantially uniformlateral width 358 along its entire overall longitudinal length. However,in various embodiments, an absorbent core assembly can have varyinglateral widths over part, or parts, or all of its overall longitudinallength. The absorbent core assembly 350 has an overall longitudinallength equal to the overall longitudinal length of the wearableabsorbent article 300. As a result, the first end 353 coincides with thewaist edge 303. In some embodiments, however, an absorbent core assemblycan have an overall longitudinal length that is shorter than the overalllongitudinal length of the article. As a result, either end or both endsof the absorbent core assembly can be disposed longitudinally inboard toone or both waist edges of the article.

The absorbent core assembly 350 is joined to the stretchable outer cover310, over a first attachment area 320, a second attachment area 330, anda third attachment area 340. As used herein, the term “joined” refers toconfigurations wherein an element is directly secured to another elementand to configurations wherein an element is indirectly secured toanother element by connecting the element to one or more intermediatemembers, which are, in turn connected to the other element. In a joinedconfiguration, an element can be secured to another element with anykind of connection, such as the connections of the embodiments of FIGS.5A-10B. Also, as used herein, the term “attachment area” refers to atwo-dimensional location, having a defined outer boundary, over which anabsorbent core assembly is effectively joined to an outer cover of awearable absorbent article. Any or all of the first attachment area 320,the second attachment area 330, and the third attachment area 340, canbe configured as described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS.5A-10B. In some embodiments, one or more attachment areas can be used toform anchoring bands or anchoring systems as described in published USpatent application 2007-0287983A1, “Absorbent Article Having an AnchoredCore Assembly.”

The first attachment area 320 is disposed in the hip region 306 of thewearable absorbent article 300 longitudinally outboard from the secondattachment area 330. However, in some embodiments, a first attachmentarea may only be partially longitudinally outboard from a secondattachment area. For example, in an embodiment where a second attachmentarea includes a farthest longitudinally outboard point, a portion of thefirst attachment area may be longitudinally outboard from that pointwhile a portion of the first attachment area may be longitudinallyinboard to that point, as described in connection with the embodiment ofFIG. 3C. The first attachment area 320 overlaps the longitudinalcenterline 313 and is laterally centered within the wearable absorbentarticle 300, although in various embodiments, an attachment area may notbe laterally centered within a wearable absorbent article. The firstattachment area 320 is disposed in the hip region 306 of the wearableabsorbent article 300 longitudinally outboard from the second attachmentarea 330. The first attachment area 320 is adjacent to the secondattachment area 330. Alternatively, a first attachment area may bespaced apart from a second attachment area, as described in connectionwith the embodiment of FIG. 4.

Throughout the present disclosure, each attachment area has an overalllateral width, measured laterally across the widest width of anattachment area, as described herein. When an attachment area overlaps alongitudinal centerline of the article, then the attachment area has anoverall lateral width measured laterally between a farthest laterallyoutboard point of the area on one side of the longitudinal centerline toa farthest laterally outboard point of the area on the other side of thelongitudinal centerline. If an attachment area does not overlap alongitudinal centerline of the article, then the attachment area has anoverall lateral width measured laterally between a farthest laterallyinboard point of the area to a farthest laterally outboard point of thearea. Throughout the present disclosure, for a second attachment area,the overall lateral width is measured laterally across the widest widthof the portion of the second attachment area that is disposed within thehip region of the article using points as described immediately abovewithin the hip region and disregarding any width measurements outside ofthe hip region.

Throughout the present disclosure, each attachment area has an overalllongitudinal length, measured longitudinally along the longest length ofan attachment area. When an attachment area overlaps a lateralcenterline of the article, then the attachment area has an overalllongitudinal length measured longitudinally between a farthestlongitudinally outboard point of the area on one side of the lateralcenterline to a farthest longitudinally outboard point of the area onthe other side of the lateral centerline. If an attachment area does notoverlap a lateral centerline of the article, then the attachment areahas an overall longitudinal length measured longitudinally between afarthest longitudinally inboard point of the area to a farthestlongitudinally outboard point of the area.

The first attachment area 320 includes longitudinal sides 321, alongitudinally inboard end 322, and a longitudinally outboard end 323.The first attachment area 320 has a substantially uniform overalllongitudinal length 324 and a substantially uniform overall lateralwidth 328. In some embodiments, an attachment area can have varyinglateral widths over its overall longitudinal length. Also, in variousembodiments, an attachment area can have varying longitudinal lengthsover its overall lateral width.

The outer edges of the first attachment area 320 extend to the outeredges of the absorbent core assembly 350 such that the longitudinalsides 321 of the first attachment area 320 coincide with portions of thelongitudinal sides 351 of the absorbent core assembly 350 and thelongitudinally outboard end 323 of the first attachment area 320coincides with the first end 353 of the absorbent core assembly 350. Invarious embodiments, one or more of outer edges of a first attachmentarea may only partially coincide with outer edges of an absorbent coreassembly. Alternatively, one or more outer edges of a first attachmentarea may not extend to outer edges of the absorbent core assembly, asdescribed in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 4. A portion of thelongitudinally inboard end 322 of the first attachment area 320coincides with a longitudinally outboard end 333 of the secondattachment area 330.

Specific dimensions for an overall lateral width and an overalllongitudinal length of a first attachment area for joining an absorbentcore assembly to a stretchable outer cover in a wearable absorbentarticle can be selected as follows. In general, the first attachmentarea should be large enough to adequately hold the absorbent coreassembly in place inside the outer cover, to prevent the absorbent coreassembly from folding inward on itself, and to provide sufficientstructural resistance to tension elastics located within the absorbentcore assembly. At the same time, the first attachment area should not beso large as to unduly constrain the degree to which fee outer cover canbe extended. Similarly, if the first attachment area is disposedsuperjacent to a stretchable waistband structure, then the firstattachment area should not be so large as to unduly constrain the degreeto which the waistband can be extended. The use of these designprinciples is guided by the degree of extensibility in the outer coverand/or the waistband. Where the outer cover and/or waistband are morestretchable, a larger attachment area may be possible; however, wherethe outer cover and/or waistband are less stretchable, a smallerattachment area may be necessary.

In various embodiments, the overall longitudinal length of a firstattachment area can be any length from 1 to 60 millimeters, any lengthfrom 5 to 40 millimeters, or any length from 10 to 20 millimeters, orany integer value for millimeters of length within any of these ranges.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the overall longitudinal length of afirst attachment area can be any percentage from 1% to 15% of theoverall longitudinal length of the wearable absorbent article, anypercentage from 1% to 10% of the overall longitudinal length of thewearable absorbent article, or any percentage from 1% to 5% of theoverall longitudinal length of the wearable absorbent article, or anyinteger value for percentage within any of these ranges. The overalllateral width of a first attachment area is discussed further inconnection with the embodiment of FIG. 4.

The stretchable outer cover 310 includes an area subjacent to the firstattachment area 320. The area of the stretchable outer cover 310 that issubjacent to the first attachment area 320 may or may not be formed fromstretchable material.

The stretchable outer cover 310 also includes two areas 362, eachdisposed directly laterally outboard from the first attachment area 320.As used herein, the phrase “directly laterally outboard” refers to arelative disposition in a wearable absorbent article that is laterallyoutboard from a referenced area as well as at or within the samelongitudinal location as the referenced area. The two areas 362 are atthe same longitudinal location as the first attachment area 320. Thelongitudinal location of the first attachment area 320 is defined by thelongitudinally inboard end 322 and the longitudinally outboard end 323.As a result, the longitudinal location of the areas 362 is also definedby the longitudinally inboard end 322 and the longitudinally outboardend 323 of the first attachment area 320. In FIG. 3A, a lateralreference line drawn from a farthest longitudinally inboard point on thelongitudinally inboard end 322 of the first attachment area 320 marksthe longitudinally inboard boundary of the areas 362. In variousembodiments, an area that is directly laterally outboard from anattachment area, may be adjacent to the attachment area or may be spacedapart from the attachment area.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, each of the areas 362 is laterallystretchable. However, in some embodiments, only one of the areasdirectly laterally outboard from the first attachment area may belaterally stretchable. Either or both of the areas 362 may be laterallyelastic, or laterally extensible, or a combination of laterally elasticand laterally extensible. Either or both of the areas 362 may belongitudinally stretchable or longitudinally unstretchable. Inalternative embodiments, either or both of the areas 362 may besubstantially or completely unstretchable.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the relatively wide overall lateral width328 of the first attachment region 320, placed in a longitudinallyoutboard portion of the article, can provide adequate structural supportfor the first end 353 of the absorbent core assembly 350, where it isparticularly useful. Thus, in the wearable absorbent article 300, theabsorbent core assembly 350 can be suitably joined to stretchable outercover 310, such that the article 300 can look attractive and feelcomfortable while being less likely to leak.

The entire second attachment area 330 is disposed in the hip region 306of the wearable absorbent article 300. However, in various embodiments,a second attachment area may be disposed only partially within a hipregion of a wearable absorbent article, as described in connection withthe embodiment of FIG. 3C. The second attachment area 330 overlaps thelongitudinal centerline 313 and is laterally centered within thewearable absorbent article 300, although in various embodiments, anattachment area may not be laterally centered within a wearableabsorbent article. The entire second attachment area 330 is alsodisposed longitudinally inboard to the first attachment area 320 andlongitudinally outboard from the third attachment area 340. However, insome embodiments, a second attachment area may be only partiallylongitudinally inboard to a first attachment area. For example, in anembodiment where a first attachment area includes a nearestlongitudinally inboard point, a portion of the second attachment areamay be longitudinally inboard to that point while a portion of thesecond attachment area may be longitudinally outboard from that point,as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3C. Also, in someembodiments, a second attachment area may be only partiallylongitudinally outboard from a third attachment area. As an example, inan embodiment where a third attachment area includes a furthestlongitudinally outboard point, a portion of the second attachment areamay be longitudinally outboard from that point while a portion of thesecond attachment area may be longitudinally inboard to that point, asdescribed in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3C. The secondattachment area 330 is adjacent to the first attachment area 320 andadjacent to the third attachment area 340. Alternatively, a secondattachment area may be spaced apart from a first attachment area and/ora third attachment area, as described in connection with the embodimentof FIG. 4.

In an alternate embodiment, a wearable absorbent article can beconstructed without a third attachment area. In a variation of thisalternate embodiment, a second attachment area may be extendedlongitudinally inboard. For example, a second attachment area can beextended to or through a center of a wearable absorbent article. As afurther example, a second attachment area can be extended from a firstattachment area, through a center of the article, to another firstattachment area in another half of a wearable absorbent article.

The second attachment area 330 includes longitudinal sides 331, alongitudinally inboard end 332, and a longitudinally outboard end 333.The second attachment area 330 has a substantially uniform overalllongitudinal length 334 and a substantially uniform overall lateralwidth 338. However, in some embodiments, an attachment area can havevarying widths and lengths.

The second attachment area 330 is narrower than the first attachmentarea 320. As a result, the overall lateral width 338 of the secondattachment area 330 is less than the overall lateral width 328 of thefirst attachment area 320. However, in some embodiments, only a portionof the second attachment area 330 may have an overall lateral width thatis less than the overall lateral width 328 of the first attachment area320. For example, in an embodiment wherein a second attachment area isdisposed only partially within a hip region of a wearable absorbentarticle, the second attachment area can be configured such that only theportion of the second attachment area that is disposed in the first hipregion has an overall lateral width that is less than the overalllateral width of the first attachment area. In this example, the portionof the second attachment area that is outside of the hip region may ormay nor have an overall lateral width that is less than the overalllateral width of the first attachment area.

The longitudinal sides 331 of the second attachment area 330 aredisposed laterally inboard to the longitudinal sides 321 of the firstattachment area 320 and laterally inboard to the longitudinal sides 351of the absorbent core assembly 350.

A portion of die longitudinally inboard end 332 of the second attachmentarea 330 coincides with a longitudinally outboard end 343 of the thirdattachment area 340. In various embodiments, a longitudinally inboardend of a second attachment area may only partially coincide with alongitudinally outboard end of a third attachment area. For example, alongitudinally inboard end of a second attachment area and alongitudinally outboard end of a third attachment area may have a sharedboundary that is shorter than the width of one or both of the ends. Thelongitudinally outboard end 333 of the second attachment area 330coincides with a portion of a longitudinally inboard end 332 of thefirst attachment area 320. In some embodiments, a longitudinallyoutboard end of a second attachment area may only partially coincidewith a portion of a longitudinally inboard end of a first attachmentarea.

Specific dimensions for an overall lateral width and an overalllongitudinal length of a second attachment area for joining an absorbentcore assembly to a stretchable outer cover in a wearable absorbentarticle can be selected as follows. In general, the second attachmentarea should be large enough to adequately hold the absorbent coreassembly in place inside the outer cover and to prevent the absorbentcore assembly from folding inward on itself. At the same time, the firstattachment area should not be so large as to unduly constrain the degreeto which the outer cover can be extended. The use of these designprinciples is guided by the degree of extensibility in the outer cover,as described above.

The overall lateral width of a second attachment area can be understoodin terms of absolute dimensions and in terms of relative size. Invarious embodiments, the overall lateral width of a second attachmentarea can be any width from 5 to 110 millimeters, any width from 5 to 60millimeters, or any width from 5 to 25 millimeters, or any integer valuefor millimeters of width within any of these ranges. Alternatively, insome embodiments, the overall lateral width of a second attachment areacan be any percentage from 3% to 95% of the overall lateral width of theabsorbent core assembly, any percentage from 3% to 90% of the overalllateral width of the absorbent core assembly, or any percentage from 3%to 50% of the overall lateral width of the absorbent core assembly, orany integer value for percentage within any of these ranges. The overalllongitudinal length of a second attachment area can be any length.

The stretchable outer cover 310 includes an area subjacent to the secondattachment area 330. The area of the stretchable outer cover 310 that issubjacent to the second attachment area 330 may or may not be formedfrom stretchable material.

The stretchable outer cover 310 also includes two areas 363, eachdisposed directly laterally outboard from the second attachment area330. The two areas 363 are at the same longitudinal location as thesecond attachment area 330. The longitudinal location of the secondattachment area 330 is defined by the longitudinally inboard end 332 andthe longitudinally outboard end 333. As a result, the longitudinallocation of the areas 363 is also defined by the longitudinally inboardend 332 and the longitudinally outboard end 333 of the second attachmentarea 330. In FIG. 3A, a lateral reference line drawn from a farthestlongitudinally inboard point on the longitudinally inboard end 332 ofthe second attachment area 330 marks the longitudinally inboard boundaryof the areas 363 and a lateral reference line drawn from a farthestlongitudinally outboard point on the longitudinally outboard end 333 ofthe second attachment area 330 marks the longitudinally outboardboundary of the areas 363.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, each of the areas 363 is laterallystretchable. However, in some embodiments, only one of the areasdirectly laterally outboard from the second attachment area may belaterally stretchable. Either or both of the areas 363 may be laterallyelastic, or laterally extensible, or a combination of laterally elasticand laterally extensible. Either or both of the areas 363 may belongitudinally stretchable or longitudinally unstretchable.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the relatively narrow overall lateralwidth 338 of the second attachment region 330, placed in the hip region306 of the wearable absorbent article 300, can allow a significantdegree of extensibility around a large circumference of a wearer's body(e.g. the fullest part of the buttocks), where it is especiallybeneficial. Thus, in the wearable absorbent article 300, the absorbentcore assembly 350 can be suitably joined to stretchable outer cover 310,such that the article 300 can look attractive and feel comfortable whilebeing less likely to leak.

Substantially all of the third attachment area 340 is disposed in thecrotch region 307 of the wearable absorbent article 300. However, invarious embodiments, all of a third attachment area may be disposedwithin a crotch region of a wearable absorbent article. The thirdattachment area 340 overlaps the longitudinal centerline 313 and islaterally centered within the wearable absorbent article 300, althoughin various embodiments, an attachment area may not be laterally centeredwithin a wearable absorbent article. The entire third attachment area340 is disposed longitudinally inboard to the second attachment area330. However, in some embodiments, a third attachment area may be onlypartially longitudinally inboard to a second attachment area. Forexample, in an embodiment where a second attachment area includes anearest longitudinally inboard point, a portion of the third attachmentarea may be longitudinally inboard to that point while a portion of thethird attachment area may be longitudinally outboard from that point, asdescribed in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3C. The thirdattachment area 340 is adjacent to the second attachment area 330.Alternatively, a third attachment area may be spaced apart from a secondattachment area, as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG.4.

The third attachment area 340 includes longitudinal sides 341, a firstend 343, and a second end (not shown). A third attachment area canextend to or through a center of a wearable absorbent article. In someembodiments, a third attachment area can extend through a center of awearable absorbent article, to another second attachment area in theother half of the article.

The third attachment area 340 has a substantially uniform overalllateral width 348. However, in some embodiments, an attachment area canhave varying widths. The overall lateral width of a third attachmentarea differs from an overall lateral width of a second attachment area.In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the overall lateral width 348 of the thirdattachment area 340 is less than the overall lateral width 338 of thesecond attachment area 330. The longitudinal sides 341 of the thirdattachment area 340 are disposed laterally inboard to the longitudinalsides 331 of the second attachment area 330 and laterally inboard to thelongitudinal sides 351 of the absorbent core assembly 350. However, inalternate embodiments, an overall lateral width of a third attachmentarea can be equal to or greater than an overall lateral width of asecond attachment area. Further, in additional alternate embodiments, anoverall lateral width of a third attachment area can be less than, equalto, or greater than an overall lateral width of a first attachment area.

The first end 343 of the third attachment area 340 coincides with aportion of the longitudinally inboard end 332 of the second attachmentarea 330. In various embodiments, an end of a third attachment area mayonly partially coincide with a longitudinally inboard end of a secondattachment area.

Specific dimensions for an overall lateral width and an overalllongitudinal length of a third attachment area for joining an absorbentcore assembly to a stretchable outer cover in a wearable absorbentarticle can be selected as follows. In general, the third attachmentarea should be large enough to adequately hold the absorbent coreassembly in place inside the outer cover and should be small enough soas not to inhibit leg cuff contractions in the absorbent core assemblyand/or in contracted portions along the longitudinal sides of thearticle. In various embodiments, a third attachment area can have anoverall lateral width that is greater than or equal to 3%, or 5%, or 10%(or any integer value between any of these percentages) of the overalllateral width of the absorbent core assembly of the wearable absorbentarticle. In some embodiments, a third attachment area can have anoverall lateral width that is less than or equal to 100%, or 90%, or 70%(or any integer value between any of these percentages) of the overalllateral width of the absorbent core assembly of the wearable absorbentarticle.

The stretchable outer cover 310 includes an area subjacent to the thirdattachment area 340. The area of the stretchable outer cover 310 that issubjacent to the third attachment area 340 may or may not be formed fromstretchable material.

The stretchable outer cover 310 also includes two areas 364, eachdisposed directly laterally outboard from the third attachment area 340.The two areas 364 are at the same longitudinal location as the thirdattachment area 340. The longitudinal location of the third attachmentarea 340 is defined by the first end 343 and the second end (not shown).As a result, the longitudinal location of the areas 364 is also definedby the first end 343 and the second end of the second attachment area340. In FIG. 3A, a lateral reference line drawn from a farthestlongitudinally outboard point on the first end 343 of the thirdattachment area 340 marks one of the boundaries of the areas 363. Theopposing boundary for the area 363 is not shown in FIG. 3A.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, each of the areas 364 is laterallystretchable. However, in some embodiments, only one of the areasdirectly laterally outboard from the second attachment area may belaterally stretchable. Either or both of the areas 364 may be laterallyelastic, or laterally extensible, or a combination of laterally elasticand laterally extensible. Either or both of the areas 364 may belongitudinally stretchable or longitudinally unstretchable.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the third attachment region 340 of thewearable absorbent article 300, can adequately hold the absorbent coreassembly 350 in place inside the stretchable outer cover 310, in thecrotch region 307. Thus, in the wearable absorbent article 300, theabsorbent core assembly 350 can be suitably joined to stretchable outercover 310, such that the article 300 can look attractive and feelcomfortable while being less likely to leak.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the portion of thewearable absorbent article 300 of the embodiment of FIG. 3A. Thewearable absorbent article 300 includes the absorbent core assembly 350joined to the stretchable outer cover 310, over the first attachmentarea 320, the second attachment area 330, and the third attachment area340. FIG. 3B also illustrates the leg opening edge 308 and an orthogonalprojection of the longitudinal centerline 313. In the embodiment of FIG.3B, the absorbent core assembly 350 includes a liquid permeable layer354 forming the top surface of the absorbent core assembly 350, a liquidimpermeable layer 356 forming the back surface of the absorbent coreassembly 350, and absorbent material 355 disposed in between the liquidpermeable layer 354 and the liquid impermeable layer 356.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, each of the attachment areas 320, 330, and340 directly connects the absorbent core assembly 350 to the stretchableouter cover 310, although direct connections are not required. Inalternative embodiments, one or more of the attachment areas 320, 330,and 340 can indirectly connect the absorbent core assembly 350 to thestretchable outer cover 310. Each of the attachment areas 320, 330, and340 has the same overall uniform thickness, although in variousembodiments, the thickness can vary within an attachment area, and/orfrom one attachment area to another. Any or all of the first attachmentarea 320, the second attachment area 330, and the third attachment area340, can be configured as described in connection with the embodimentsof FIGS. 5A-10B.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of an inside of a portion of a wearableabsorbent article 300C laid out in a flat and uncontracted state. Eachof the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 3C is configured in the sameway as the like-numbered element of the embodiment of FIG. 3A, except asdescribed below. Throughout the present disclosure, the term“like-numbered” is intended to indicate a correspondence between labelsof elements wherein the last two numbers in the labels of the elementsare the same. Element labels are considered to be like-numbered despitediffering numeral prefixes corresponding to figure numbers, and despitediffering suffixes corresponding to particular embodiments. The wearableabsorbent article 300C includes the absorbent core assembly 350 joinedto the stretchable outer cover 310, over a first attachment area 320C, asecond attachment area 330C, and a third attachment area 340C.

The first attachment area 320C includes a longitudinally inboard end322C with a farthest longitudinally inboard point 322C-1. The firstattachment area 320C has varying longitudinal lengths over its overalllateral width. A portion of the longitudinally inboard end 322C of thefirst attachment area 320C coincides with a longitudinally outboard end333C of the second attachment area 330C. The longitudinally outboard end333C includes a farthest longitudinally outboard point 333C-1. Since thefarthest longitudinally inboard point 322C-1 is longitudinally inboardto the farthest longitudinally outboard point 333C-1, the firstattachment area 320C is only partially longitudinally outboard from thesecond attachment area 330C. As a result, areas 362C and 363C partiallyoverlap.

Substantially all of the second attachment area 330C is disposed in thehip region 306 of the wearable absorbent article 300C. The secondattachment area 330C includes a longitudinally inboard end 332C with afarthest longitudinally inboard point 332C-1. The second attachment area330C has varying longitudinal lengths over its overall lateral width. Aportion of the longitudinally inboard end 332C of the second attachmentarea 330C coincides with a first end 343C of the third attachment area340C. The first end 343C includes a farthest longitudinally outboardpoint 343C-1. Since the farthest longitudinally inboard point 332C-1 islongitudinally inboard to the farthest longitudinally outboard point343C-1, the second attachment area 330C is only partially longitudinallyoutboard from the third attachment area 340C. As a result, areas 363Cand 364C partially overlap.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an inside of another portion of awearable absorbent article 400 laid out in a flat and uncontractedstate, including an absorbent core assembly 450 joined to a stretchableouter cover 410, over a first attachment area 420, a second attachmentarea 430, and a third attachment area 440, according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The absorbent core assembly 450 is superjacentto the attachment areas 420, 430, and 440, which are each superjacent tothe stretchable outer cover 310.

For clarity, the absorbent core assembly 450 is illustrated astransparent, with visible outside edges, to better show the attachmentareas 420, 430, and 440. The wearable absorbent article 400 can be apant-type wearable absorbent article or a front-fastenable wearableabsorbent article. The portion of the wearable absorbent article 400 canbe a front portion or a back portion. In FIG. 4, some outside edges ofthe portion are broken lines, since the portion is illustrated asseparate from the rest of the wearable absorbent article 400,

The wearable absorbent article 400 includes a waist edge 403, a hipregion 406, a crotch region 407, and a leg opening edge 408. Thewearable absorbent article 400 also includes a longitudinal centerline413 defining directions for laterally outboard 411 and laterally inboard412 and also includes directions for longitudinally outboard 414 andlongitudinally inboard 415.

At least a portion of the stretchable outer cover 410 is laterallystretchable, as described below. In various embodiments, part, or parts,or substantially all, or all of the stretchable outer cover 410 can beconfigured to be elastic or extensible, in the lateral direction, in thelongitudinal direction, or in both the lateral and longitudinaldirections.

The absorbent core assembly 450 includes longitudinal sides 451, a firstend 453, and a second end (not shown). The absorbent core assembly 450has a substantially uniform width 458 along its entire overalllongitudinal length. The absorbent core assembly 450 has an overalllongitudinal length that is shorter than the overall longitudinal lengthof the article 400. As a result, the first end 453 is disposedlongitudinally inboard to the waist edge 403. In some embodiments,however, an absorbent core assembly can have an overall longitudinallength that is equal to the overall longitudinal length of tire article.As a result, either end or both ends of the absorbent core assembly cancoincide with one or both waist edges of the article.

The absorbent core assembly 450 is joined to the stretchable outer cover410, over a first attachment area 420, a second attachment area 430, anda third attachment area 440. Any or all of the first, attachment area420, the second attachment area 430, and the third attachment area 440,can be configured as described in connection with the embodiments ofFIGS. 5A-10B.

The first attachment area 420 is disposed in the hip region 406 of thewearable absorbent article 400, longitudinally outboard from the secondattachment area 430. The first attachment area 420 overlaps thelongitudinal centerline 413 and is laterally centered within thewearable absorbent article 400. The first attachment area 420 is spacedapart from the second attachment area 430. Alternatively, a firstattachment area may be adjacent to a second attachment area, asdescribed in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

The first attachment area 420 includes longitudinal sides 421, alongitudinally inboard end 422, and a longitudinally outboard end 423.The first attachment area 420 has a substantially uniform overalllongitudinal length 424 and a substantially uniform overall lateralwidth 428.

The longitudinal sides 421 of the first attachment area 420 are disposedlaterally inboard to the longitudinal sides 451 of the absorbent coreassembly 450. As a result, the absorbent core assembly 450 includes twounattached areas 459, each disposed directly laterally outboard from thefirst attachment area 420. The absorbent core assembly 450 is not joinedto the stretchable outer cover 410 over the unattached areas 459.

Each of the unattached areas 459 is bounded on a laterally outboard sideby a longitudinal side 451 of the absorbent core assembly 450, on alaterally inboard side by a longitudinal side 421 of the firstattachment area 420, on a longitudinally outboard side by an imaginaryline extending laterally from the longitudinally outboard end 423 of thefirst attachment area 420, and on a longitudinally inboard side by animaginary line extending laterally from the longitudinally inboard end422 of the first attachment area 420. Each of the unattached areas 459has a lateral width 457 measured laterally between the longitudinal side451 of the absorbent core assembly 450 and the longitudinal side 421 ofthe first attachment area 420. Also, each of the unattached areas 459has a longitudinal length equal to the overall longitudinal length 424of the first attachment area.

The lateral width of an unattached area can be understood in terms ofabsolute dimensions and in terms of relative size. In variousembodiments, the lateral width of an unattached area can be any widthfrom 1 to 30 millimeters, any width from 1 to 20 millimeters, any widthfrom 1 to 10 millimeters, any width from 1 to 5 millimeters, or anyinteger value for millimeters of width within any of these ranges. Insome embodiments, the lateral width of an unattached area can be atleast 3 millimeters or at least 5 millimeters, but less than 20millimeters. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the lateral width of anunattached area can be any percentage from 1% to 20% of the overalllateral width of the absorbent core assembly, any percentage from 1% to15% of the overall lateral width of the absorbent core assembly, anypercentage from 1% to 10% of the overall lateral width of the absorbentcore assembly, or any percentage from 1% to 5% of the overall lateralwidth of the absorbent core assembly, or any integer value forpercentage within any of these ranges.

In various embodiments, either or both of the longitudinal sides of afirst attachment area may extend to longitudinal sides of an absorbentcore assembly such that either or both of the longitudinal sides of thefirst attachment area partially or completely coincide with portions ofthe longitudinal sides of the absorbent core assembly. Thelongitudinally outboard end 423 is disposed longitudinally inboard tothe first end 453 of the absorbent core assembly 450. In someembodiments, a longitudinally outboard end of a first attachment areamay extend to an end of an absorbent core assembly such that thelongitudinally outboard end of the first attachment area partially orcompletely coincides with the end of the absorbent core assembly.

Specific dimensions for a first attachment area for joining an absorbentcore assembly to a stretchable outer cover in a wearable absorbentarticle, are described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3A. Inaddition, a first attachment area that is narrower than an absorbentcore assembly should be large enough to prevent, any portion of the endof the absorbent core assembly from “peeking out” (i.e. extending outbeyond a waist edge of a wearable absorbent article). The firstattachment area 420 can have the same overall longitudinal lengths asdescribed for the first attachment area 320.

The overall lateral width of a first attachment area can be understoodin terms of absolute dimensions and in terms of relative size. Invarious embodiments, the overall lateral width of a first attachmentarea can be any width from 80 to 140 millimeters, any width from 90 to130 millimeters, or any width from 100 to 120 millimeters, or anyinteger value for millimeters of width within any of these ranges.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the overall lateral width of a firstattachment area can be any percentage from 70% to 100% of the overalllateral width of the absorbent core assembly, any percentage from 75% to95% of the overall lateral width of the absorbent core assembly, or anypercentage from 80% to 90% of the overall lateral width of the absorbentcore assembly, or any integer value for percentage within any of theseranges.

The stretchable outer cover 410 includes an area subjacent to the firstattachment area 420. The area of the stretchable outer cover 410 that issubjacent to the first attachment area 420 may or may not be formed fromstretchable material. The stretchable outer cover 410 also includes twoareas 462, each disposed directly laterally outboard from the firstattachment area 420. The areas 462 are configured in the same way as theareas 362, described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the relatively wide overall lateral width428 of the first attachment region 420, placed in a longitudinallyoutboard portion of the article, can provide adequate structural supportfor the first end 453 of the absorbent core assembly 450, where it isparticularly useful. Thus, in the wearable absorbent article 400, theabsorbent core assembly 450 can be suitably joined to stretchable outercover 410, such that the article 400 can look attractive and feelcomfortable while being less likely to leak.

The entire second attachment area 430 is disposed in the hip region 406of the wearable absorbent article 400. The first attachment area 420overlaps the longitudinal centerline 413 and is laterally centeredwithin the wearable absorbent article 400. The entire second attachmentarea 430 is also disposed longitudinally inboard to the first attachmentarea 420 and longitudinally outboard from the third attachment area 440.The second attachment area 430 is spaced apart from the first attachmentarea 420 and spaced apart from the third attachment area 430.Alternatively, a second attachment area may be adjacent to a firstattachment area and/or a third attachment area, as described inconnection with the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

The second attachment area 430 includes longitudinal sides 431, alongitudinally inboard end 432, and a longitudinally outboard end 433.The second attachment area 430 has a substantially uniform overalllongitudinal length 434 and a substantially uniform overall lateralwidth 438.

The second attachment area 430 is narrower than the first attachmentarea 420. As a result, the overall lateral width 438 of the secondattachment area 430 is less than the overall lateral width 428 of thefirst attachment area 420. The longitudinal sides 431 of the secondattachment area 430 are disposed laterally inboard to the longitudinalsides 421 of the first attachment area 420 and laterally inboard to thelongitudinal sides 451 of the absorbent core assembly 450. Specificdimensions for a second attachment area for joining an absorbent coreassembly to a stretchable outer cover in a wearable absorbent articlecan be selected as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG.3A. The second attachment area 430 can have the same overalllongitudinal lengths and overall lateral widths as described for thesecond attachment area 330.

The stretchable outer cover 410 includes an area subjacent to the secondattachment area 430. The area of the stretchable other cover 410 that issubjacent to the second attachment area 430 may or may not be formedfrom stretchable material. The stretchable outer cover 410 also includestwo areas 463, each disposed directly laterally outboard from the secondattachment area 430. The two areas 463 are configured in the same way asthe areas 363, described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the relatively narrow overall lateral width438 of the second attachment region 430, placed in the hip region 406 ofthe wearable absorbent article 400, can allow a significant degree ofextensibility around a large circumference of a wearer's body (e.g. thefullest part of the buttocks), where it is especially beneficial. Thus,in the wearable absorbent article 400, the absorbent core assembly 450can be suitably joined to stretchable outer cover 410, such that diearticle 400 can look attractive and feel comfortable while being lesslikely to leak.

Substantially all of the third attachment area 440 is disposed in thecrotch region 407 of the wearable absorbent article 400. The thirdattachment area 440 overlaps the longitudinal centerline 413 and islaterally centered within the wearable absorbent article 400. The entirethird attachment area 440 is disposed longitudinally inboard to thesecond attachment area 430. The third attachment area 440 is spacedapart from the second attachment area 430. Alternatively, a thirdattachment area may be adjacent to a second attachment area, asdescribed in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

The third attachment area 440 includes longitudinal sides 441, alongitudinally inboard end 442, and a longitudinally outboard end 443.The third attachment area 440 has a substantially uniform overalllateral width 448. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the overall lateralwidth 448 of the third attachment area 440 is less than the overalllateral width 438 of the second attachment area 430. The longitudinalsides 441 of the third attachment area 440 are disposed laterallyinboard to the longitudinal sides 431 of the second attachment area 430and laterally inboard to the longitudinal sides 451 of the absorbentcore assembly 450.

Specific dimensions for a third attachment area for joining an absorbentcore assembly to a stretchable outer cover in a wearable absorbentarticle can be selected as described in connection with the embodimentof FIG. 3A.

The stretchable outer cover 410 includes an area subjacent to the thirdattachment area 440. The area of the stretchable outer cover 410 that issubjacent to the third attachment area 440 may or may not be formed fromstretchable material. The stretchable outer cover 410 also includes twoareas 464, each disposed directly laterally outboard from the thirdattachment area 440. The two areas 464 are configured in the same way asthe areas 364, described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the third attachment region 440 of thewearable absorbent article 400 can adequately hold the absorbent coreassembly 450 in place inside the stretchable outer cover 410, in thecrotch region 407. Thus, in the wearable absorbent article 400, theabsorbent core assembly 450 can be suitably joined to stretchable outercover 410, such that the article 400 can look attractive and feelcomfortable while being less likely to leak.

The embodiments of FIGS. 5A-10B describe and illustrate variousexemplary attachment areas for joining an absorbent core assembly to anouter cover of a wearable absorbent article. For clarity, each of FIGS.5A-10B illustrate a portion of an outer cover and a portion of anabsorbent core assembly, separate from the rest of a wearable absorbentarticle. Also for clarity, the portions of the absorbent core assembliesare illustrated as invisible, with visible outside edges, to better showthe attachment areas.

FIGS. 5A-10B illustrate attachment, areas formed from one or moreconnections. Unless otherwise stated, each of the connections in theembodiments of FIGS. 5A-10B can any kind of connection for holding theportion of the absorbent core assembly to the portion of the outercover. Further, each of these connections can be any number and anycombination of any kind of connection. As examples, a connection can bea durable connection (such as an adhesive bond, a cohesive bond, afusion bond, a thermal bond, or an ultrasonic bond), a frangibleconnection (configured to break or release when subjected to particularforces), a refastenable connection (configured to be used multipletimes), a microfastener connection (such as a hook-and-loop fasteningsystem), a macrofastener connection (such as a snap, button, ortab-and-slot), or connecting structures (such as buckles, straps, orzippers), and the like, as will be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art.

Still further, while each of the connections of FIGS. 5A-10B is a directconnection, each embodiment can be modified with the additional layers,structures, and/or other connections, to form indirect connections,which can also be used for joining an absorbent core assembly to anouter cover of a wear-able absorbent article in embodiments of thepresent disclosure, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

FIG. 5A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article 570 with aportion of an absorbent core assembly 575 joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover 571 over an attachment area 594, according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The attachment area 594 is asingle filled square shaped connection 592, directly connecting theportion of the absorbent core assembly 575 to the portion of thestretchable outer cover 571, in a substantially continuous manner, overthe attachment area 594. An outer boundary of the attachment area 594 isdefined by the outer extent of the connection 592. FIG. 5B illustrates across-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article 670 with aportion of an absorbent core assembly 675 joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover 671 over an attachment area 694, according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The attachment area 694 is formedby a one-dimensional array of multiple rectangular stripes ofconnections 692, directly connecting the portion of the absorbent coreassembly 675 to the portion of the stretchable outer cover 671, in aregular but discontinuous manner, over the attachment area 694. Theconnections 692 are separated by unattached portions 693 of theattachment area 694. Despite the unattached portions 693, the portion ofthe absorbent core assembly 675 is considered joined to the portion of astretchable outer cover 671 over the entire attachment area 694, becausethe portion of the stretchable outer cover 671 is effectivelyconstrained from relative movement with respect to the portion of theabsorbent core assembly 675, over the entire attachment area 694. InFIG. 6A, the attachment area 694 is defined by the outer sides of theoutermost stripes of connections 692 and the ends of the stripes ofconnections 692. An outer boundary of the attachment area 694 isillustrated with dashed lines. While the multiple rectangular stripes ofconnections 692 are illustrated as evenly spaced apart in FIG. 6A, sucheven spacing is not required. Further, any of the connections 692 canhave various shapes. For example, part, or parts, or all of a connection692 can be straight, curved, angled, segmented, or another shape, orcombinations of any of these shapes. FIG. 6B illustrates across-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article 770 with aportion of an absorbent core assembly 775 joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover 771 over an attachment area 794, according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The attachment area 794 is formedby a two-dimensional array of multiple round connections 792, directlyconnecting the portion of the absorbent core assembly 775 to the portionof the stretchable outer cover 771, in a regular but discontinuousmanner, over the attachment area 794. The connections 792 are separatedby unattached portions 793 of the attachment area 794. Despite theunattached portions 793, the portion of the absorbent core assembly 775is considered joined to the portion of a stretchable outer cover 771over the entire attachment area 794, because the portion of thestretchable outer cover 771 is effectively constrained from relativemovement with respect to the portion of the absorbent core assembly 775,over the entire attachment area 794. In FIG. 7A, the attachment area 794is defined by tangent points on the outer sides of the outermostconnections 792. An outer boundary of the attachment area 794 isillustrated with dashed lines. While the multiple round connections 792are illustrated as evenly spaced apart in FIG. 7A, such even spacing isnot required. Further, any of the connections 792 can have variousshapes. For example, a connection 792 can have an overall shape that issimilar to or the same as a circle, oval, ellipse, triangle, square,polygon, star, or another shape, or combinations of any of these shapes.FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article 870 with aportion of an absorbent core assembly 875 joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover 871 over an attachment area 894, according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The attachment area 894 is formedby a single hollow square shaped connection 892, directly connecting theportion of the absorbent core assembly 875 to the portion of thestretchable outer cover 871, in a regular but discontinuous manner, overthe attachment area 894. The connection 892 is considered hollow becauseof an unattached portion 893 in the center of the connection 892.Despite the unattached portion 893, the portion of the absorbent coreassembly 875 is considered joined to the portion of a stretchable outercover 871 over the entire attachment area 894, because the portion ofthe stretchable outer cover 871 is effectively constrained from relativemovement with respect to the portion of the absorbent core assembly 875,over the entire attachment area 894. In FIG. 8A, the attachment area 894is defined by the outer extent of the connection 892. While theconnection 892 is illustrated as a square with four linear sides, theconnection 892 can have various shapes. For example, part, or parts, orall of one or more or the sides of a connection 892 can be straight,curved, angled, segmented, or another shape, or combinations of any ofthese shapes. Also as an example, a connection 892 can have an overallshape that is similar to or the same as a circle, oval, ellipse,triangle, square, polygon, star, or another shape, or combinations ofany of these shapes. FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of theembodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article 970 with aportion of an absorbent core assembly 975 joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover 971 over an attachment area 994, according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The attachment area 994 is formedby a two rectangular stripes of connections 992, directly connecting theportion of the absorbent core assembly 975 to the portion of thestretchable outer cover 971, in a discontinuous manner, over theattachment area 994. The connections 992 are separated by unattachedportion 993 of the attachment area 994. Despite the unattached portion993, the portion of the absorbent core assembly 975 is considered joinedto the portion of a stretchable outer cover 971 over the entireattachment area 994, because the portion of the stretchable outer cover971 is effectively constrained from relative movement with respect tothe portion of the absorbent core assembly 975, over the entireattachment area 994. In FIG. 9A, the attachment area 994 is defined bythe outer sides of the stripes of connections 992 and the ends of thestripes of connections 992. An outer boundary of the attachment area 994is illustrated with dashed lines. Alternatively, any of the connections992 can have various shapes. FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional viewof the embodiment of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A illustrates a portion of a wearable absorbent article 1070 witha portion of an absorbent core assembly 1075 joined to a portion of astretchable outer cover 1071 over an attachment area 1094, according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The attachment area 1094 isformed by randomly distributed stripes of connections 1092, directlyconnecting the portion of the absorbent core assembly 1075 to theportion of the stretchable outer cover 1071, in a discontinuous manner,over the attachment area 1094. In alternative embodiments, stripes ofconnections can also be formed by spiral gluing, melt-blowing, printingadhesive patterns, or any other method of forming connection known tothose of skill in the art. The connections 1092 are separated byunattached portions 1093 of the attachment area 1094. Despite theunattached portions 1093, the portion of the absorbent core assembly1075 is considered joined to the portion of a stretchable outer cover1071 over the entire attachment area 1094, because the portion of thestretchable outer cover 1071 is effectively constrained from relativemovement with respect to the portion of the absorbent core assembly1075, over the entire attachment area 1094. In FIG. 10A, the attachmentarea 1094 is defined by the extent of the stripes of connections 1092.An outer boundary of the attachment area 1094 is illustrated with dashedlines. Alternatively, any of stripes of connections 1092 can havevarious shapes. FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of theembodiment of FIG. 10A.

The present disclosure includes wearable absorbent articles withabsorbent core assemblies that are suitably joined to stretchable outercovers. While the absorbent core assemblies are provided with adequatestructural integrity and support, the stretchable outer covers can alsobe extended to a significant degree because the absorbent coreassemblies are joined to the stretchable outer covers by attachmentareas that are strategically sized and placed within the articles. Thus,the wearable absorbent articles of die present disclosure can lookattractive and feel comfortable while being less likely to leak.

The present disclosure contemplates that the various embodimentsdisclosed herein can be used in combination with various additionaland/or alternate structures of absorbent articles, as will be understoodby one of skill in the art.

Methods

Hysteresis Test

The following test methods utilize a commercial tensile tester (e.g.,from Instron Engineering Corp. (Canton, Mass.), SINTECH-MTS SystemsCorporation (Eden Prairie, Minn.) or equivalent) interfaced with acomputer. The computer is used to control the test speed and other testparameters and for collecting, calculating, and reporting the data. Thetests are performed under laboratory conditions of 23° C.±2° C. andrelative humidity of 50%±2%. The samples are conditioned for 24 hoursprior to testing.

1. Select a 2.54 cm (width) 7.62 cm (length) sample of the material fortesting. In some cases, if it is not be possible to get a 2.54 cm×7.62cm sample, a smaller sample may be used, but a gage length of 25 mm muststill be used. If the sample is activated or includes an activationportion, the length of the sample is taken in the direction ofactivation.

2. Select the appropriate jaws and load cell. The jaws must have flatsurfaces and must be wide enough to fit the sample (e.g., at least 2.54cm wide). Also, the jaws should provide adequate force to ensure thatthe sample does not slip during testing. The load cell is selected sothat the tensile response from the sample tested is between 25% and 75%of the capacity of the load cell used.

3. Calibrate the tester according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Set the distance between the grips at 25 mm.

5. Place the sample in the flat surface of the jaws such that thelongitudinal axis of the sample is substantially parallel to the gaugelength direction. Mount the sample with minimal slack. Set the slackpreload at 0.02 N/cm. This means that the data collection starts whenthe slack is removed with a force of 0.02 N/cm. Strain is calculatedbased on the adjusted gauge length (l_(ini)), which is the length of thesample in between the grips of the tensile tester at a force of 0.02N/cm. This adjusted gauge length is taken as the initial sample length,and it corresponds to a strain of 0%. Percent strain at any point in thetest is defined as the change in length divided by the adjusted gaugelength times 100%.

6(a). First cycle loading: Pull the sample to a strain of 50% at aconstant cross head speed of 254 mm/min.

6(b). First cycle unloading: Hold the sample at 50% strain for 30seconds and then return the crosshead to its starting position (0%strain) at a constant cross head speed of 254 mm/min. Hold the sample inthe unstrained state for 1 minute.

6(c). Set from second cycle loading: Pull the sample at a constant crosshead speed of 254 mm/min, till it reaches a load of 0.05 N/25.4 mm(0.020 N/cm). Record the extended gauge length (l_(ext)). Next, returnthe crosshead to its starting position (zero strain) at a constant crosshead speed of 254 mm/min. Set is defined as the strain at a second cycleload of 0.05 N/25.4 mm (0.020 N/cm). Calculate % set as indicated below.

6(d). Second cycle unload: Next, return the crosshead to its startingposition (zero strain) at a constant cross head speed of 254 mm/min.

Percent Set is defined as the percent strain at a second cycle load of0.05 N/25.4 mm (0.020 N/cm). Calculate % set as indicated below.

A computer data system records the force exerted on the sample duringthe test as a function of applied strain. From the resulting datagenerated, the following quantities are reported (note that loads arereported as force divided by the width of the sample and do not takeinto account the thickness of the sample):

1. Loads at 25% strain and 50% strain (N/cm)

2. % set (Percent Strain measured at a second cycle load of 0.02N/cm);

3. % set=(l_(ext)−l_(ini))/l_(ini)*100%.

Five repetitions are done on each sample and the average and standarddeviation reported.

Dimension Method

Various dimensions and ratios thereof are specified herein. Eachdimension is measured according to the following method. All testing isperformed in a conditioned room maintained at about 23 C±2 C and about50%±2% relative humidity. Herein, width and length of the specimen are alateral width and longitudinal length as defined herein. Preconditionspecimens at about 23 C±2 C and about 50%±2% relative humidity for 2hours prior to testing.

Prepare the article for testing as follows:

1. Lay the article on a substantially flat, horizontal surface.

2. Secure tire article to the surface such that all process-inducedcontraction acting to forshorten the absorbent core assembly is pulledout. For example, a pre-contracted waistband applied to the article orelastics along the longitudinal edges of the article and/or theabsorbent core assembled may forshorten the article laterally orrespectively longitudinally, so any such process-induced contraction ispulled out. The article is secured to the flat, horizontal surface withclamps or adhesive tape capable of holding the absorbent core assemblywith process-induced contraction pulled out.

3. Identify points between which widths and/or lengths of eachattachment region, the absorbent core assembly, any unattached areas,and the article are to be measured, per definitions contained herein.This includes defining the hip region.

4. Measure each needed dimension to the nearest 1 mm using a steel rulertraceable to NIST.

5. Calculate any needed ratios as follows: Ratio=100% X [FirstMeasurement/Second Measurement].

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A wearable absorbent article comprising: an outer cover; and anabsorbent core assembly, including a layer forming a top surface of theabsorbent core assembly, a layer forming a bottom surface of theabsorbent core assembly, and absorbent material disposed between thelayers: wherein at least a portion of the outer cover is joined to thebottom surface of the absorbent core assembly over at least: a firstattachment area, having a first area overall lateral width; and a secondattachment area, wherein at least a portion of the second attachmentarea is disposed in a first hip region of the article; wherein theportion of the second attachment area that is disposed in the first hipregion has a second area overall lateral width that is less than thefirst area overall lateral width; wherein the first hip region has anoverall longitudinal length that is less than or equal to 30% of anoverall pitch of the article; and wherein the first attachment area isdisposed longitudinally outboard from the second attachment area.
 2. Thewearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the outer cover includeslaterally stretchable areas disposed directly laterally outboard fromthe second attachment area.
 3. The wearable absorbent article of claim2, wherein the laterally stretchable areas are laterally elastic.
 4. Thewearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the outer cover includeslaterally stretchable areas disposed directly laterally outboard fromthe first attachment area.
 5. The wearable absorbent article of claim 4,wherein the laterally stretchable areas are laterally elastic.
 6. Thewearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein at the first attachmentarea, the overall lateral width of the first attachment area is lessthan the overall lateral width of the absorbent core assembly.
 7. Thewearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein at the first attachmentarea, the overall lateral width of the first attachment area is lessthan 95% of the overall lateral width of the absorbent core assembly. 8.The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first attachmentarea is disposed adjacent to a waist edge of the article.
 9. Thewearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first attachment areaand the second attachment area are each disposed in a back of thearticle.
 10. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thefirst hip region has an overall longitudinal length that is less than orequal to 20% of an overall pitch of the article.
 11. The wearableabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first hip region is disposedlongitudinally outboard from a farthest longitudinally outboard point ofa leg opening edge of the article.
 12. The wearable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the second area overall lateral width is less than orequal to 80% of the first area overall lateral width.
 13. The wearableabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the second attachment area has asubstantially uniform overall lateral width.
 14. The wearable absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein substantially all of the second attachmentarea is disposed in a second hip region with an overall longitudinallength that is less than or equal to 30% of the overall pitch of thearticle.
 15. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, where at leastone of the first attachment area and the second attachment area issubstantially continuously joined to the outer cover.
 16. The wearableabsorbent article of claim 1, where the absorbent core assembly isdirectly connected to the outer cover through at least one of the firstattachment area and the second attachment area.
 17. The wearableabsorbent article of claim 1, where the absorbent core assembly isdurably connected to the outer cover through at least one of the firstattachment area and the second attachment area.
 18. The wearableabsorbent article of claim 1, where the absorbent core assembly isrefastenably connected to the outer cover through at least one of thefirst attachment area and the second attachment area.
 19. The wearableabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of theabsorbent core assembly is joined to the outer cover by at least a thirdattachment area, having a third area overall lateral width that differsfrom the second area overall lateral width; wherein the third attachmentarea is longitudinally inboard to the second attachment area.
 20. Thewearable absorbent article of claim 1, which is a disposable wearableabsorbent article.